Robert Daniel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert W. Daniel
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 4th district |
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| In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Watkins Abbitt |
| Succeeded by | Norman Sisisky |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 17, 1936 Richmond, Virginia |
| Died | February 4, 2012 (aged 75) Jupiter Island, Florida |
| Resting place | Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia |
| Political party | Republican (1960-2012) Democratic (before 1960) |
| Spouses | Sally L. Chase (div.) Linda Hearne |
| Children | Robert W. Daniel, III Charlotte Bemiss Daniel Nell Daniel |
| Relatives | FitzGerald Bemiss (cousin) |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia (B.A.) Columbia University (M.B.A.) |
| Profession | gentleman farmer, adjunct professor, politician |
| Awards | National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army Reserve Central Intelligence Agency |
| Years of service | 1959 1964–1968 |
Robert Williams Daniel, Jr. (born March 17, 1936 – died February 4, 2012) was an American politician, farmer, and teacher from Virginia. He served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican. He was first elected in 1972 and served until 1983.
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About Robert W. Daniel, Jr.
Robert W. Daniel, Jr. had a varied career. He was known for his work in government, his family's historic farm, and his teaching.
His Early Life
Robert Daniel, Jr. was born in Richmond, Virginia. His father, Robert Williams Daniel, was a bank executive. His father had survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. He also served in the Senate of Virginia, which is part of Virginia's state government. Robert's father passed away when Robert was only four years old.
His family had a long history in American politics. He was a descendant of Peter V. Daniel, who was a judge on the United States Supreme Court. He was also related to Edmund Randolph. Edmund Randolph was the seventh Governor of Virginia. He was also the first Attorney General of the United States, which is the chief lawyer for the government. Later, he became the second Secretary of State, a top diplomat for the country.
Robert Daniel, Jr. went to the Fay School and Woodberry Forest School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia. He then received a Masters in Business Administration from Columbia University.
His Career and Public Service
After college, Daniel worked as a financial analyst. He also taught Economics at the University of Richmond. He served in the United States Army and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1964 to 1968. The CIA is a government agency that gathers information about other countries.
After his mother passed away, he returned home to manage Brandon Plantation. This was his family's historic farm.
Daniel grew up as a Conservative Democrat. This meant he had more traditional views within the Democratic Party. However, he became a Republican in the 1960s. During this time, many Southern Democrats changed parties. They were unhappy with new policies, like those for desegregation.
In 1972, Daniel was serving on the Planning Commission for Prince George County. He decided to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He won the election, becoming the first Republican to represent his district since the Reconstruction Era. The Reconstruction Era was the period after the American Civil War.
While in Congress, Daniel was a member of the House Armed Services Committee. This committee deals with military and defense issues. He served five terms. In 1982, he lost his bid for a sixth term to Norman Sisisky.
After Congress, he continued to serve the country. From 1984 to 1986, he was a deputy assistant Secretary of Defense. This role helps manage the country's military. From 1990 to 1993, he was the director of intelligence for the Department of Energy. He received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal for his work. This is a high award for intelligence professionals.
His Personal Life
Robert Daniel, Jr. owned and operated Brandon Plantation. This farm in Prince George, Virginia, is a U.S. National Historic Landmark. It is one of the oldest farms in the United States that has been continuously farmed.
He was married twice and had three children with his first wife, Sally. He was a member of The Commonwealth Club in Richmond and the Knickerbocker Club in New York City.
Robert Daniel, Jr. passed away from a heart attack on February 4, 2012. He was at his vacation home in Jupiter Island, Florida. He was buried with military honors at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. He was survived by his second wife, Linda, and his two daughters. His son, Robert Williams Daniel, III, had passed away before him.
His Election History
Robert Daniel, Jr. was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives five times.
- In 1972, he won his first election.
- He was re-elected in 1974, 1976, 1978, and 1980.
- In 1978, he ran for re-election without anyone running against him.
- In 1982, he lost his re-election campaign to Democrat Norman Sisisky.
